Full Day 8 Hours Inshore Trip up to 6 person
Private Trip
Eight-hour private charter targeting multiple inshore species near Virginia BeachAccommodates up to six guests with all equipment and licenses includedFocuses on productive waters around bridge pilings and local wrecks
Looking for a fishing adventure that delivers serious action without breaking the bank? Our full-day inshore charter aboard the Sea Hunt Gamefish 27 is exactly what you need. Departing from Fisherman's Wharf Marina in Virginia Beach, this 8-hour trip targets the most productive spots around bridge pilings, inshore wrecks, and structure-rich areas where fish love to hang out. Whether you're bringing the family for their first saltwater fishing experience or you're a seasoned angler looking to load the cooler, this trip hits the sweet spot between comfort and fish-catching excitement.
Your private charter accommodates up to six anglers, which means plenty of room to fish without bumping elbows. The Sea Hunt Gamefish 27 is built for Virginia's inshore waters – stable enough for beginners but equipped to handle whatever Mother Nature throws our way. We'll work the bridge pilings where current creates feeding opportunities, hit productive inshore wrecks that hold different species throughout the year, and target structure that consistently produces fish. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety – you never know if the next bite will be a keeper flounder, a feisty red drum, or a tasty black sea bass. All your gear is covered, from rods and reels to bait and tackle, plus your saltwater license falls under our charter permit. Just bring yourself, some snacks, drinks, and get ready to fish.
Inshore fishing around Virginia Beach requires different approaches depending on what we're targeting and where we're fishing. Around the bridge pilings, we'll often use bottom rigs with fresh bait to tempt black sea bass and sheepshead hiding in the structure. For flounder, we'll work bucktails tipped with squid or minnows along sandy bottoms and drop-offs where these flatfish ambush their prey. When Spanish mackerel are running, we'll switch to light tackle with small spoons or jigs for fast-paced action that'll keep everyone busy. The key to successful inshore fishing is reading the water, understanding the tides, and matching your presentation to what the fish want that day. Our tackle selection covers everything from heavy bottom rigs for drum to light spinning gear for trout – we'll adjust based on conditions and what's biting. The structure we target holds fish year-round, but each season brings different opportunities and requires slight adjustments in technique.
Summer flounder are the crown jewel of Virginia Beach inshore fishing, with these flatfish providing both challenge and reward for anglers. These "doormat" fluke can reach impressive sizes in our waters, with fish over 20 inches being genuine trophies worth bragging about. They're ambush predators that lie buried in sand waiting for baitfish to swim by, which makes the bite subtle but the fight memorable once they realize they're hooked. Best action typically runs from late spring through fall, with larger fish often found around structure and drop-offs. What makes flounder special is they're excellent table fare and provide that perfect combination of skill and luck that keeps anglers coming back.
California sheephead might sound out of place, but these tough fighters are actually referring to our local sheepshead – master bait thieves with human-like teeth that can crush barnacles and small crabs with ease. These black and white striped fish love hanging around bridge pilings and hard structure where they feed on crustaceans and mollusks. They're notorious for stealing bait without getting hooked, which makes landing one feel like a real victory. Sheepshead fishing peaks in cooler months when they move inshore to spawn, and experienced anglers know to use small hooks and fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs. They're fantastic eating and provide a fun challenge that tests your patience and technique.
Tautog, or "blackfish" as locals call them, are another structure-loving species that puts up a surprisingly strong fight for their size. These fish have powerful jaws designed for crushing shellfish, and they use that strength when they feel the hook. You'll find them around the same areas as sheepshead but they prefer slightly deeper water and rockier bottom. Tautog season typically runs through the cooler months, making them a reliable target when other species move offshore. They're excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for fish tacos or a simple pan-fry.
Spanish mackerel bring speed and excitement to any inshore trip when they're in our waters. These silver torpedoes travel in schools and provide non-stop action when you find them. They'll hit small spoons, jigs, or live bait with aggressive strikes that'll wake up anyone who's dozed off between bites. Spanish mackerel are perfect for beginners and kids because they're willing biters and put up an entertaining fight on light tackle. They typically show up in warmer months and can turn a slow day into a fish-a-minute adventure when the conditions are right.
Black sea bass are the workhorses of Virginia Beach inshore fishing – reliable, tasty, and always ready to bite around structure. These fish have a curious nature that makes them investigate anything new in their territory, which works in our favor when presenting baits around wrecks and pilings. They're excellent for beginners because they bite consistently and are easy to handle once boated. Sea bass season varies with regulations, but when they're open, you can count on steady action. Their flaky white meat makes them a favorite for fish dinners, and their willingness to bite keeps trips productive even when other species are finicky.
This full-day inshore charter offers the perfect balance of fishing action, family fun, and value for your dollar. Eight hours gives us plenty of time to work different spots, adjust to conditions, and put you on fish without wearing everyone out. The variety of species means there's always something biting, and our local
Step aboard our 2017 Sea Hunt Gamefish 27 center console and get ready to fish the productive waters around Virginia Beach. This 27-footer is built for serious angling, powered by twin 250HP Yamahas that cruise at 58 knots - meaning you'll reach the fish fast and have more time with lines in the water. The center console design keeps you dry while working the deck, whether you're fighting drum around bridge pilings or pulling flounder off inshore wrecks. With room for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of space to spread out and fish comfortably. The onboard fish finder helps locate those bottom structures where sea bass and sheepshead love to hang, while the GPS keeps us on the most productive spots. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the full 8-hour day. From the Chesapeake Bay to local Virginia Beach waters, this boat handles whatever conditions we encounter while chasing speckled trout, red drum, and spanish mackerel through the seasons.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are reliable fighters that love our local structure here in Virginia Beach. These chunky grouper family members typically run 1-4 pounds with dark, mottled coloring and a big appetite. You'll find them around bridge pilings, inshore wrecks, and rocky bottom in 20-60 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to feed and spawn. What makes them popular is their scrappy fight and excellent table fare - firm, sweet white meat that's hard to beat. They're also great for beginners since they bite aggressively on squid strips and clams. Here's my tip: once you hook one, get it up quickly because they'll dive straight back to structure and try to cut your line on the rocks. Use a steady pump-and-wind retrieve to keep them coming up.
Semicossyphus PulcherCalifornia Sheephead aren't found in Virginia Beach waters - they're a Pacific Coast species that lives around California's rocky reefs and kelp forests. These colorful wrasses are known for their distinctive black heads and tails with orange middle sections on the males, while females show duller orange-pink coloring. They typically range 2-20 pounds and are notorious fighters that use rocky structure to try breaking your line. They spawn from June through September and feed on hard-shelled creatures like crabs and sea urchins during daylight hours. What makes them appealing is their powerful fight and sweet, lobster-like meat. Since they don't occur in our Atlantic waters off Virginia Beach, you won't encounter them on our local inshore trips targeting our East Coast species.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are some of the fastest fish we target in Virginia Beach waters, and they put on quite a show when they're feeding. These sleek silver speedsters typically run 1-2 feet long and 2-5 pounds, with distinctive yellow spots along their sides. You'll find them in schools near the surface around our bridge pilings and inshore structure, especially during warmer months from late spring through early fall. They're pure energy when hooked - making blazing runs and aerial jumps that keep everyone on the boat excited. Plus, they're outstanding table fare with mild, flaky meat that's perfect for grilling or smoking. My trick is to look for diving birds and surface commotion - that's where the schools are feeding. When you find them, work fast with small spoons or live bait because they move quickly and won't stick around long.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are one of our most sought-after flatfish here in Virginia Beach waters. These "door mats" typically run 15-20 inches, though we've seen some beauties push 5+ pounds. They're masters of camouflage, lying flat on sandy bottoms around our bridge pilings and inshore wrecks, waiting to ambush baitfish. Fall months from September through November are prime time when they're most active and easier to locate. What makes them special is their unique sideways bite and the challenge of detecting their subtle takes. Plus, they're fantastic table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. My go-to tip: when you feel that light tap, don't set the hook immediately. Let them run with it for a few seconds since they bite sideways and need time to get the bait positioned right.
Tautoga OnitisTautog, or "blackfish," are chunky fighters that love hanging around our bridge pilings and rocky structure here in Virginia Beach. These wrasses typically run 1-3 pounds with thick, rubbery skin that's perfectly built for living in rocky areas. They're daytime feeders with crushing teeth designed for eating crabs, mussels, and barnacles. Spring through early fall gives you the best shot at them, especially when they're most territorial during spawning season. What guests love is their bulldogging fight - they'll try to wrap you around structure the moment they feel the hook. They're also excellent eating with firm, white meat. Here's the key: use green crab bait and crush up some extra crab shells around your fishing spot to create a scent trail. Change your bait every 5 minutes since fresh crab scent is what really triggers them to feed.
Virginia Beach, VA